Title: South King County Organizer
Employment Type: Full-time, regular
Program Area: Organizing
Reports To: Organizing Director
OneAmerica is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the principles of democracy and justice at the local, state, and national levels through building power in immigrant communities in conjunction with key allies.
Established in the wake of September 11, 2001, OneAmerica initially focused on organizing within diverse and new immigrant communities that had been targeted by federal actions undertaken in the name of national security, working with these communities to effect positive change at the local, state, and federal levels. Since then, OneAmerica has grown to become a locally and nationally recognized leader in advancing immigrant, civil, and human rights. Our strategies include public policy advocacy, community organizing, training and technical assistance, public education, and outreach and leadership development for immigrants and refugees in Washington State. We also help to anchor and lead several national coalitions addressing issues involving due process for immigrants, comprehensive immigration reform, and national immigrant voting.
POSITION SUMMARY
This full-time position focuses on community organizing and coordination in South King County, with particular emphasis on developing cross-cultural alliances to build power. The role is based in our Seattle office and works with the Organizing Director and Organizing staff to engage East African and Asian Pacific Islander communities in growing programs and executing campaigns in support of our organizational priorities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Partner with the OneAmerica team to develop and implement an organizing strategy to work with East African and Asian Pacific Islander communities
Identify and recruit a core of 30 leaders with the goal of further developing and supporting their leadership skills
Recruit leaders and develop grassroots leadership in conjunction with other OneAmerica team members and programs
Recruit grassroots leaders to become members of OneAmerica Votes
Identify issues affecting East African and Asian Pacific Islander communities and build power with core leaders to address those issues
Support the OneAmerica Civic Engagement Program by educating voters, running voter registration canvasses, and coordinating leaders and volunteers generating calls in South Seattle
Implement leadership development and self-advocacy trainings/curricula tailored to East African and Asian Pacific Islander leaders in South Seattle
Work with community partners to build systems-level change at local and state levels, including developing strategies, engaging in dialogue, and planning meetings, events, rallies, forums, etc.
Mobilize community members and coalition partners to attend target events
Provide logistical support and coordination for OneAmerica’s organizing work
Organize and facilitate regular meetings with grassroots leaders
Develop and implement an annual work plan focused on outcomes with quarterly milestones and effective evaluation methods that support OneAmerica’s overall strategic plan
Coordinate with OneAmerica staff and community partners to collect data and conduct ongoing evaluation of work
Assist in fundraising (through grants, membership, special events) in partnership with OneAmerica’s Development Team
Work collaboratively with the OneAmerica team, as required, to accomplish our strategic mission and shared vision
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum two years of experience in community, labor, or electoral organizing, with particular emphasis on organizing within diverse immigrant and refugee communities
Ability to think strategically and plan programs and campaigns
Self-motivated
Strong verbal, listening, and written communications skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with others
Excellent group facilitation and coalition-building skills, and an ability to develop effective relationships with diverse allies and constituents
Passion for leadership development and a commitment to fighting for social, racial, and economic justice
Ability to thrive within a fast-paced environment while maintaining effective time management and organization methods
Access to reliable transportation and a willingness to accommodate community-based scheduling needs (i.e., meetings held in the evenings and on weekends at offsite locations)
Experience with basic computer programs, including Outlook and Microsoft Office Suite (database experience a plus)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working with diverse ethnic communities
Experience developing leadership curricula and implementing trainings
Knowledge of two or more languages
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter, along with three references, to Fernando Mejia, Organizing Director, at jobs@weareoneamerica.org. In your cover letter, please tell us how your personal and professional background informs why you are interested in working as an Organizer at OneAmerica. Deadline for applications is March 27, 2015. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Please, no phone inquiries.